Adult recreational therapy benefit tops $21,000

Eric Crouch, left, signs a football for Ben Herink, center, and his father, Jay.

It was less than 20 degrees outside, but inside Westroads Mall there were smiles and new friendships heating up at the second annual Walk & Roll for Disabilities.

Organizers signed up 376 walkers and rollers and raised more than $21,000 for the Feb. 19 event, sponsored by UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute and C. Louis Meyer Foundation.

The primary goal is to raise funds to support recreational programs for adults year-round, said Ron Niederhaus, board member of the C. Louis Meyer Foundation. “We’re finding that when kids become adults, there’s not very many places they can get recreational programs,” Niederhaus said. “This gives them an opportunity to have recreational programs they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Rep. Tom Osborne, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and Eric Crouch, 2001 Heisman Trophy winner and former Nebraska Cornhusker quarterback, served as honorary co-captains of the event. Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Hahn, who’s son has autism, also attended the event as a “celebrity walker.”

From left: Michael Crawford, Re.D., director of recreational therapy, UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, with the event’s co-captains: Rep. Tom Osborne, Eric Crouch and Mayor Mike Fahey. Walk & Roll for Disabilities participant Cory Wernimont joins the group.

“We’re really appreciative of what Munroe-Meyer does for people,” said Rep. Tom Osborne told the crowd.

Crouch thanked organizers and attendees for allowing him to be a part of the event. “For me to be out here and see the smiles on the faces…it’s something I like being a part of,” he said.

Michael Crawford, Re.D., director of recreational therapy at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute, said it was heartwarming to see the increased participation and financial support.

“The greater Omaha business community is graciously supporting us in our cause,” Dr. Crawford said. “The support is critical and we hope others will notice us and help out in the future.

Freckles the clown shows Cory Wernimont a trick.

“Having a day where we see a snapshot of the entire Camp Munroe family — little ones, teens, adults — which only happens at this event, was very special for my staff and volunteers,” he said. “It gives you a different perspective on how many people you’re able to reach through your programming.”

For the second year, KGOR served as media sponsor for the event. “We always want to try to be a part of the community,” said Drew Bentley, program director of KGOR radio and on air talent. “If we can use our airwaves for a good cause, that’s what we want to do.” Bentley has a 57-year-old brother with Down’s syndrome.

Ben Herink, son of Jay and Deb Herink, has been a regular participant in Munroe-Meyer Institute’s programs since he was an infant. It’s the highlight of Ben’s week, his father said.

Ray Schiefem and daughter, Katie, work the raffle ticket table. Schiefem’s wife, Ann, is a board member of the C. Louis Meyer Foundation.

Recreational opportunities are as important as the social aspect, Deb Herink said. “Ben’s siblings also have been involved as volunteers and now work at Munroe-Meyer Institute,” she said. “It’s been part of our life for a long, long time.”

Hahn, father of 24-year-old Alex, who has autism, said the event helps build awareness of the need for recreational therapy programs. One of the challenges for those with developmental disabilities is socializing and job placement, he said.

“As a parent, it gives me a lot of hope,” Hahn said. “We need to take advantage of the strengths people have. We have to be a little more creative … and find a way to provide incentives for business.”

Jane Wernimont and her 12-year-old son love the programs at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.

“I know how good the recreational therapy program is,” Wernimont said. “Cory has benefited from it since he was 3-years-old. It’s wonderful. They do everything there from swimming to arts and crafts. Just to see the parents all here today…the support is wonderful. A lot of his friends are here. It’s amazing.”